Digital media frame

ABSTRACT

A method and a device for displaying images on a digital media frame is disclosed. In one embodiment, the device includes a memory, a processing unit, a display, an interface circuit, and a display circuit. The interface circuit has at least one receiving port capable of identifying various types of networking protocols that are used to transfer the image data. The processing unit attaches auxiliary information to each image before images are stored in a memory. The display circuit displays images according to the image data received. The digital media frame further contains a user input device, which allows a user to alter the image display sequence. The user input device is an input device other than a keyboard or a cursor control device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation application of U.S. Ser. No. 09/981,220 filedOct. 16, 2001, which is a continuation-in-part application U.S. Ser. No.09/405,523, filed Sep. 23, 1999, which is a continuation-in-partapplication Ser. No. 09/195,355, filed on Nov. 18, 1998.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of electronicpictorial representation, more specifically, the present inventionrelates to digital image processing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

With image representations evolving rapidly into a viable consumerelectronic business, digital photography and digital images are emergingto fill the needs of image representation. Images are commonly capturedby digital cameras or digital scanners. A typical digital cameracaptures a picture and stores the captured pictorial information in adigital data format. Also, a conventional digital scanner scanspictures, such as, a color photographic film (e.g., 35 mm), and convertsthe scanned pictorial information into digital image data.

Once an image is captured and the captured image data is generated, itis often difficult to display the captured image. One conventionalapproach is to use a personal computer (“PC”) to display the images. Inthis approach, the image data is first transferred to the PC from animage capturing device, such as, a digital camera, and then the PCdisplays the image according to the image data received. A problem withthis approach is that a regular PC may not be able to process the imagedata without additional software or hardware to reconfigure the PC.Moreover, a PC is usually not portable. Even though a laptop PC isportable, the laptop PC is inadequate for use as a picture frame becausenot only does the laptop PC have to be reconfigured so that it iscapable of processing the image data, but it is also too expensive touse a laptop PC as a picture frame.

Another commonly employed approach is to use an image-processingmachine, such as, a workstation, a mini-computer, or a mainframe. Likethe PC, the image data must first be transferred to the image-processingmachine, and the image-processing machine, subsequently, displays theimage after processing the image data. This approach posts similarproblems as a PC that the image-processing machine has to bereconfigured before it is able to process the image data. Also, theimage-processing machine is not typically mobile.

Accordingly, it is desirable to have an inexpensive digital media framethat is capable of obtaining images with or without a PC and capable ofdisplaying images in places where a PC cannot go. As will be seen, oneembodiment of the present invention provides a portable digital mediaframe that displays images.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A method for providing digital images and/or information over acommunication network to a digital media frame, comprising the steps of:

-   -   (a) providing a network service over said communication network;    -   (b) permitting a digital media frame to access a communication        network, said digital media frame having two or more display        portions for displaying independent text and/or graphics;    -   (c) allowing a user of said digital media frame to select the        receiving of customized information transmitted over said        communication network with respect to at least one of said        display portions;    -   (d) transmitting the customized information from the network        service to the digital media frame; and    -   (e) automatically displaying the customized information on the        digital media frame when the digital media frame is in the        operating state.

In another embodiment of the invention there is provided a method forproviding digital images and/or information over a communication networkto a digital media frame, comprising the steps of:

-   -   (a) providing a network service over said communication network;    -   (b) permitting a digital media frame to access a communication        network, said digital media frame having two or more display        portions for displaying independent text and/or graphics;    -   (c) allowing a user of said digital media frame to select the        receiving of customized information transmitted over said        communication network with respect to at least one of said        display portions;    -   (d) transmitting the customized information from the network        service to the digital media frame; and    -   (e) automatically displaying the customized information on the        digital media frame when the digital media frame is in the        operating state.

In yet another embodiment of the invention there is provided a methodfor providing digital images over a communication network comprising thesteps of:

-   -   (a) providing a network service over the communication network;    -   (b) permitting a digital media frame to access a network server        via the communication network service;    -   (c) allowing a user of said digital media frame to select a        customized information transmission from the network service;    -   (d) transmitting the customized news transmission from the        network service to the digital media frame; and    -   (e) automatically displaying the customized news transmission on        the digital media frame when the device is the operating state.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example and notlimitation in the accompanying figures.

FIG. 1 illustrates a connection between Digital Media Frame (“DMF”) andexternal input devices in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of DMF in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of DMF in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a DMF having a display, a processing unit, and a userinput device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a data flow of DMF in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a data control of DMF in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of a network configuration involvingDMF.

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of architecture of DMF.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of multiple modes fordisplaying images.

FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of multiple mechanisms of accessingDMF network service.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of receiving data fromvarious devices.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of different modes fora DMF.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of DMF window forimplementing image data.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A digital media frame (“DMF”) and method for displaying digital picturesis disclosed. In the following description numerous specific details areset forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the presentinvention. It will be apparent, however, to one having ordinary skill inthe art that the specific detail need not be employed to practice thepresent invention. In other instances, well known materials or methodshave not been described in detail in order to avoid obscuring thepresent invention and minimal display hardware.

The DMF allows a user to display at least one digital image with minimaluser intervention. The image is referred to as a photographic image orpicture, a graphic image, a text image, a data image, or any other typeof displayable information. The DMF is capable of receiving image datafrom various external input devices, such as, digital cameras, videocameras, computers, telephone lines, television cables, and Internetservers or other types of networks. Upon receipt of the image data, theDMF generates auxiliary information relating to each image and storesthe image together with the auxiliary information in the memory. TheDMF, subsequently, fetches the image data from the memory with theauxiliary information and displays the images on a display.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a connection between DMF andexternal input devices 100. The connection includes a DMF 102, a camera110, a personal computer (“PC”) 112, a cable connector 114, and anInternet connector 116. The DMF 102 further contains an interface unit104 and a user input component 105. The user input component 105 alsocontains user-input buttons 106, which are the input devices. Theinterface unit 104 includes at least one I/O (“input and output”) portcapable of connecting to the camera 110, PC 112, the cable connectors114, and the Internet connector 116 using connecting cables 120, 122,124, and 126, respectively. The interface unit 104 is further capable ofreceiving and processing both digital and analog image data. It will beapparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that one or more of theseexternal input devices may be connected to a particular DMF 102. It willalso be apparent that the equivalent conventional input devices may besimilarly connected. The digital camera may be a digital still camera ora digital video camera, and the video camera may be an analog videocamera.

The camera 110 can either be a digital or a video camera. In oneembodiment, the camera 110 can directly transfer the captured image tothe DMF using conventional transmission media, such as, for example,wireless, cable, or removable media. In another embodiment, the camera110 can first transfer the captured images to a computer 112 and thecomputer 112, subsequently, transfers the image data to the DMF 102. Theadvantage of using a computer 112 as a forwarding station between thecamera 110 and the DMF 102 is to perform some functions where the DMF102 is unable to perform, such as data conversion.

The computer 112, which may be a PC, a workstation, a mini-computer, ora mainframe computer, or a processor based system, receives image datafrom other devices, such as, scanners, Internet servers, or cameras 110.Upon receipt of image data, the computer 112 may perform some functionsbefore the computer 112 passes the image data to the DMF 102. Thefunction may involve reordering the sequence of the images to bedisplayed, or converting one type of image data format to another typeof image data format, and so on.

The cable connectors 114 include television and telephone lines. Thelines could be optical, metal, or cordless media. In one embodiment, theinterface unit 104 is capable of receiving the image data directly fromthe cable connectors 114. In another embodiment, the interface unit 104receives the image data from a forwarding station, such as a computer112, where the cable 114 is connected to the computer 112.

The Internet connector 116 is another external input device 100 thatenables the DMF 102 to receive the image data directly from an Internetnode. In one embodiment, the DMF 102 is configured to be able to read(“HyperText Markup Language”) HTML and to interface with TransmissionControl Protocol (“TCP”)/Internet protocol (“IP”). It should be notedthat the connecting cables, 120, 122, 124, and 126 can use conventionaloptical, electrical, or wireless data communication technology.

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of DMF 102. Block 202 representsexternal input devices 100, which include digital and video cameras,scanners, computers, and Internet servers. Digital and video camerasinclude digital video cameras, digital still cameras, analog videocameras, and so on. Upon capturing image data, the external inputdevices transfer captured image data to the interface block 204. Block204 represents an interface unit of the DMF 102, where the interfaceunit 104 receives the image data from block 202. After receiving theimage data, the interface unit identifies the type of protocol or dataformat being used to transfer the image data and further determineswhether a conversion may be required. A conversion to a native DMF dataformat is needed if the DMF is unable to identify and to processoriginally received data format for image data. Once the image dataformat is properly identified, the image data is passed from block 204to block 206 for processing.

Block 206 represents processor(s) or micro-controller(s), which is aprocessing unit for the DMF 102. Block 206 determines where the imagedata is to be stored and which sequence of the images is to bedisplayed. Block 206 also generates auxiliary information for eachimage, where the auxiliary information includes a color assignment, dateand time of the image data created and received, Internet address, audioinformation, image orientations, and so on. The color assignment mapsout image color distribution from an available color grid according tothe color distribution of the image data. The date and time of the imagedata created and received indicates the date and time that each imagewas created and the date and time that the image was received by the DMF102. The Internet address indicates which Internet node was used forsending the image data to the DMF 102. In one embodiment, the Internetaddress links to other web sites that are related to the image. Forexample, if an image describes a child, the linked web sites describechild's family. Audio information includes both the original sound thatcame with the image data and edited sound created by users. Moreover,block 206 also receives control signals from block 214. Block 214represents a user-input unit. In one embodiment, block 214 gives a usercertain controls to manage how images should be displayed. Block 214 canbe any conventional input device, such as, a push button, a screen inputdevice, remote control input device, or a sound activated input device(including speech recognition input-output device). The output(s) ofblock 214, which is a control signal from a user to indicate how imagesshould be displayed, is fed onto block 206, where block 206 uses theoutput(s) of block 214 as an input(s) for determining how to displayimages. Block 206 also receives inputs from block 208.

Block 208 represents a memory block, (or set of memory blocks) which mayinclude, for example, one or more of the following: dynamic randomaccess memory (“DRAM”), static random access memory (“SRAM”), read-onlymemory, (“ROM”), non-volatile memory, magnetic disk storage, magnetictape storage, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, and so on. In one embodiment, block 206controls the access of block 208. It should be noted that block 208 mayalso receive data from other blocks, such as block 204 and block 210.

After block 206, the image data is transferred from block 206 to block210, where the image data is prepared for displaying. Block 210represents display controller. In one embodiment, block 210 is capableof controlling various types of display devices, such as, a liquidcrystal display (“LCD”), a cathode-ray tube (“CRT”), or a silicon-baseddisplay. Block 210 processes the image data by converting the image datadisplay codes to a format compatible with particular display hardware.Block 210 may also contain a memory to store the display codes. Afterconversion, block 210 transfers the display codes along with displaycontrols to block 212.

Block 212 represents a display device, which may be a LCD, a CRT, asilicon-based display, or an image projector. After receipt of thedisplay codes, block 212 displays images. It should be noted that blocks210 and 212 can receive input signals from other blocks, such as block214 could have direct input signals to block 210.

Moreover, there is a power block (not shown in the figure) that includesboth AC and DC power supplies. In one embodiment, the DC battery backuppower supply is employed for preventing memory loss upon AC power supplydisconnection.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of DMF architecture 300, which includesan image input block 301, image processing block 310, and imagedisplaying block 340. The image-input block 301 captures images andtransfers the captured image data to the image-processing block 310. Theimage-processing block 310 identifies types of image data and stores theidentified image data. The image-processing block 310 further attachesauxiliary information to each image and then transfers the image data tothe image-displaying block 340. The image displaying block 340 displaysimages according to the image data received.

The image-input block 301 contains an analog input unit 302 and adigital input unit 304. The analog input unit 302 is an analog inputdevice, such as a video camera, and is capable of generating analogimage data according to captured images. Upon generation of the analogimage data, the analog input unit 302 transfers the analog image data tothe image-processing block 310. The digital input unit 304 is a digitalinput device, such as a digital camera, and is capable of generatingdigital image data according to captured analog images. After properlygenerating the digital image data, the digital input unit 304 transfersthe digital image data to the image-processing block 310.

The image processing block 310 contains an analog module 312, a digitalmodule 314, a processing block 320, a user input unit 322, a dynamicrandom access memory (“DRAM”) 330, an non-volatile memory unit 332, aread only memory (“ROM”) 334, and an internal bus 318. The analog module312 includes an analog receiver circuit and a synchronizing circuit. Theanalog receiver circuit receives analog image data from the image-inputblock 301. After receiving the analog image data, the synchronizingcircuit performs analog to digital conversion and subsequentlysynchronizes the converted image data to generate image data. After thedata is received and synchronized, the analog module 312 drives thedigital image data on the internal bus 318.

In one embodiment, the digital module 314 includes a digital receivercircuit and a translation circuit (not shown in the figure). In oneembodiment, the digital receiver circuit may include a universal serialbus (“USB”) port for receiving digital image data from the image-inputblock 301. Upon receipt of the digital image data, the translationcircuit determines whether a translation of the image data is needed. Atranslation is required if the data format of the input image data is aforeign data format. The foreign data format is a type of data format orprotocol that the DMF is unable to implement. In one embodiment, the DMFhas multiple native data formats, and is also capable of recognizingmultiple foreign data formats. Consequently, the foreign data format ofthe image data must be converted to a native data format before theimage data can be implemented for display. After the image data isproperly received and translated, the digital module 314 drives thedigital image data on the internal bus 318.

The internal bus 318 connects to the processing unit 320, DRAM 330,non-volatile memory 332, ROM 334, the analog module 312, and the digitalmodule 314. In one embodiment, the processing unit 320 is used tocontrol the internal bus 318, such as issuing bus busy and bus grantsignals. It should be noted that other types of bus connections and buscontrols are possible.

The processing unit 320, in one embodiment, connects to the internal bus318, the user input unit 322, DRAM 330, non-volatile memory 332, and ROM334. The processing unit 320 performs functions including image sizescaling, color space conversion, image filtering, image decoding, imagedata compression/decompression, and so on. In another embodiment, aprocessor in the processing unit 320 is configured to determine asequence of images to be displayed. The processor also controls variabletime interval or time transition types between images. The intervaltransition time indicates the time interval between the current imageand the next image to be displayed. The image transition is a mechanismof retiring current image while phasing in the next image. In oneembodiment, the image transition moves current and next images in onedirection as the current image move out while the next image moves.

In another embodiment, the processing unit 320 maps out image colorsfrom available color grid according to color attributions of the imagedata. The processing unit 320 further generates auxiliary informationfor each image, where the auxiliary information may contains a colorassignment, date and time of the image data generated and received,Internet addresses, audio information, image orientations, and so on.

In yet another embodiment, the processing unit 320 is capable ofreceiving a predetermined sequence of images to be displayed from anexternal input device 100, such as a computer. Moreover, a sequence ofimages to be displayed may be altered by control signals from a user,such as a pause signal from the user-input unit 322. The processing unit320 further manages a low power management circuit to conserve powerconsumption upon disconnection of AC power supply.

The processing unit 320 is further configured to control the memoryaccess. The memory devices includes DRAM 330, non-volatile memory 332,ROM 334, magnetic disk storage, magnetic tape storage, and so on. In oneembodiment, the non-volatile memory 332 is a flash memory and is used toprevent memory loss upon disconnection of power supplies. The processingunit 320 controls the memory access using control bus 336, which carriesvarious control signals. In another embodiment, the processing unit 320controls the memory access using the internal bus 318 for issuingcontrol signals, such as bus grant and bus busy signals.

In one embodiment, the sequence of the images to be displayed is afunction of where the image data is to be stored in the memory. In thisembodiment, the image display block 340 fetches the next image data froma predefined physical memory location. In another embodiment, a sequenceof the images to be displayed can be reordered by the processing unit320. In yet another embodiment, the sequence can be further altered by auser using the user-input unit 322.

In one embodiment, the processing unit 320 controls the internal bus 318and the control bus 336. While the control bus 336 is used for controlsignals, the internal bus 318 is used for data. It should be noted thatthe internal bus 318 and the control bus 336 can be merged into onesingle bus. In another embodiment, the internal bus 318 contains a buscontroller to control the bus access.

The user input unit 322 is an input device, such as a push buttonswitch, a touch screen input device, remote control device, or a soundactivated input device (speech recognition input-output device), and soon. In one embodiment, the user-input unit 322 provides display controlsto users, such as a fast forward, a reverse, and pause functions. Thefast forward function allows a user to view the next image, while thereverse function allows a user to view the previous image.

When the image data is properly identified and ordered, the processingunit 320 drives the image data together with the auxiliary informationon the internal bus 318. In one embodiment, the processing unit 320 usesa private bus (not shown in the figure) between the processing unit 320and the display controller 342 for transferring the image data. Uponreceipt of the image data, the image display block 340 prepares todisplay the images in response to the image data and the auxiliaryinformation.

The image display block 340 contains a display unit 350, a displaycontroller 342, and a memory buffer 344. In one embodiment, the displayunit 350 is a LCD. In another embodiment, the display unit 350 is a CRT.In yet another embodiment, the display unit 350 is a silicon-baseddisplay. After receiving the image data, the display controller 342generates the image display code in response to the image data and theauxiliary information. The display unit 350, subsequently, receivesdisplay codes for images from the display controller 342 and displaysthe image. In one embodiment, the display controller 342 stores a set ofdisplay code in the memory buffer 344. In another embodiment, thedisplay controller 342 stores the display code in the non-volatilememory 332 or DRAM 330.

It should be noted that the display controller 342 could be integratedinto the display unit 350 or be integrated into the processing unit 320.Also, the image processing block 310 and image display block 340 may beintegrated in a single integrated circuit (“IC”).

Referring to FIG. 4, an embodiment of the DMF 400 is illustrated. TheDMF 400 contains a display 402, a user input device 410, and aprocessing unit 406. The display 402 displays images according to theimage data received. The processing unit 406 performs image-processingfunctions as described in above. The user-input device 410 is an inputdevice that allows a user to change images that are currentlydisplaying.

The user-input device 410 contains a reverse button 420, a pause button422, and a fast forward button 424. The reverse button 420 allows a userto view previously displayed images, while the fast forward button 424allows a user to view next sequential images. The pause button 422causes a currently displaying image to freeze until a release command isissued by a subsequent activation of the pause button 422. In anotherembodiment, the user-input device 410 may be merged with the display402, where inputs can be made through a conventional touch screen inputdevice. In yet another embodiment, the inputs can be made through aconventional voice activated input device, such as a speech recognitioninput/output device. In yet another embodiment, the inputs come from acomputer using conventional port connections.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a data flow within the DMF 400. Aprocess of image displaying starts at block 501. The process proceeds toblock 502, where an interface unit of the DMF 400 receives the imagedata. The image data may be captured by image capturing devices, such asa digital or video camera. Upon receipt of the image data, the interfaceunit 301 identifies whether the image data is in a digital data formator in an analog data format. If the image data is in the analog dataformat, the interface unit will convert the analog data format to adigital data format. If the image data is in the digital data format, noconversion from analog to digital (“A/D”) is needed.

After block 502, the process proceeds to block 504, where the image datais sorted in a predefined sequence or a special ordered sequence ofimages. Before moving on to the next block, the process determineswhether a translation is required. A translation is needed if the DMF400 identifies that the data format of the image data is a foreign dataformat. Consequently, the foreign data format must be translated into aDMF native data format before the image data can be further processed.After the image data is properly sorted and translated, the processproceeds to the next block.

The process moves from block 504 to block 506, where the image data isstored in the memory. In one embodiment, the location of the image datastored determines the sequence of the images to be displayed. Afterblock 506, the process proceeds to block 508, where the image data isconverted to display codes. In one embodiment, block 508 determines theinterval transition time and the various types of image transitions. Theinterval transition time indicates the time interval between the currentimage and the next image to be displayed. The image transition is amechanism of retiring current images from the display while phasing inthe next image. In one embodiment, the image transition moves currentand next images in one direction as the current image moves out whilethe next image moves in. In another embodiment, the image transitionfades out the current image while fading in the next image. After block508, the process proceeds to block 510, where images are displayedaccording the image data together with the auxiliary information. Theprocess ends at block 512.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a controlled dataflow of DMF 600. A process of image display starts at block 602. Theprocess moves from block 602 to block 604, where an interface unit ofthe DMF receives the image data, which may be captured by imagecapturing devices, such as digital or video cameras. Upon receipt of theimage data, the process proceeds to block 606, where the processidentifies whether the image data is in analog or digital data format.If the image data is in analog data format, the process proceeds fromblock 606 to block 608. At block 608, the process converts the analogdata format into digital data format. After conversion, the processproceeds from the block 608 to block 614, where the image data isstored.

If the image data is not in analog data format, which indicates that theimage data is in digital data format, the process proceeds from block606 to block 610. At block 610, the process identifies whether thedigital image data needs to be translated into a DMF recognizabledigital data format. If the digital data format of the image data isrecognizable, the process proceeds from block 610 to block 614.

If the image data is a foreign data format, the process moves from block610 to block 612, where a translation is performed. At block 612, theforeign data format of input image data is translated into a DMF nativedata format. In one embodiment, the DMF may have several native dataformats, which will reduce the frequency of translation. In anotherembodiment, the DMF is capable of identifying multiple foreign dataformats. After translation, the process proceeds from block 612 to block614, where the image data is stored.

In one embodiment, the image data is stored in a non-volatile memorydevice, such as a flash memory, for preventing data loss upondisconnection of power supply. In another embodiment, portable batterypower supply is used to prevent data loss upon disconnection of powersupply. In yet another embodiment, the image data is stored in amagnetic storage, such as a magnetic disk storage or a magnetic tapestorage, for preventing memory loss. After block 614, the process movesto block 618, where the auxiliary data is attached to each image.

At block 618, the process aligns images and attaches the auxiliaryinformation to each image. In one embodiment, the alignment of imagescan be sequential according to the order of the memory location that theimage data stored. In another embodiment, the alignment of images ispredefined. The auxiliary information contains the information of acolor assignment, a date and time of the image generated, information ofInternet addresses, audio, image orientations, and so on.

After attaching the auxiliary information, the process proceeds fromblock 618 to block 616, where the image data together with the auxiliaryinformation are stored in a memory buffer. The memory buffer is a smalland fast memory device that provides fast memory access for displayingimages. In one embodiment, the memory buffer is non-volatile memorydevice to prevent memory loss upon power disconnection. In anotherembodiment, the memory buffer is regular random access memory having abackup portable power supply to prevent memory loss. After block 616,the process moves to block 620, where the output from the memory buffercan be selected for displaying.

At block 620, the process further receives signals from block 624 andblock 622. The block 624 contains input control signals from the user,while the block 622 contains the image data for the last displayedimages. The process at block 624 receives a user input, which mayindicate to pause the current image. In another embodiment, the userinput is used as one of many combinational logic inputs for selectingthe next image.

Upon selecting the image data, the process proceeds from block 620 toblock 630, where the image is displayed. When the current image isdisplayed, the process proceeds from block 630 to block 622, where thecurrent image is stored. In one embodiment, block 622 stores the imagedata only for one image, which is the last displayed image. In anotherembodiment, block 622 stores the image data for a set of recentlydisplayed images.

In one embodiment, DMF has a pictorial mode and an information mode.While the pictorial mode of DMF displays a sequence of predefinedpictures, the information mode of DMF displays a set of information ordata, such as news, financial data, advertising, and the like. A thirdmode, of a combination of pictorial and informational modes may beformed where the DMF dedicates a portion of the screen to pictorialdisplay while another portion of the screen is apportioned toinformational display. It should be noted that other types of displaymodes may be existed, but they are not important to understand theinvention.

As discussed previously, DMF is capable of sending and receivinginformation over a network, such as the Internet. Various categories ofinformation that are available over the Internet are also available toDMF. Accordingly, DMF, in one embodiment, can display several categoriesof information when it is in the information mode. For example, suchcategories can include news, sports, entertainment, financial data, etcetera. However, in order to display multiple categories of informationin the information mode, DMF has to be set up or configured to handlemultiple sets of information. In one embodiment, the information mode ofDMF is configured through a DMF server, as will be described in moredetail below.

FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of a network configuration 700.Configuration 700 contains a DMF 701, a PC 712, a PC 708, a DMF 714, anentity 716, a DMF server 720, and the Internet 718. Various conventionalconnecting cables, such as, cables 730-738, are used to provide devicecommunications through the Internet 718. DMF 701 further contains adisplay 702, a base 704, and a network-communicating device 710. Display702 and base 704 are connected using a connecting device 703. In oneembodiment, connecting device 703 is a cable. In another embodiment,connecting device 703 is a conventional cordless connecting device.Moreover, base 704 contains an interface circuit 706, which is used toreceive and to send information to other devices.

Network-communicating device 710 may be a modem or a cordless modem,such as a cellular modem. In one embodiment, network-communicatingdevice 710 is a one-way transmitting device, such as a pager type ofone-way communication device. In another embodiment,network-communicating device 710 is a two-way communicating device,which may facilitate an interactive communication between devices. Inone embodiment, DMF 701 uses a cellular modem to communicate with PC712, DMF 714, and entity 716 or DMF server 720.

PC 712 is, for example, a personal computer and it can communicate withDMF 701 via the Internet 718. DMF 714 is another digital media framethat is capable of communicating directly to DMF 701 via the Internet718. For instance, DMF 714 may use the Internet 718 as a network vehicleto deliver a set of images to DMF 701. Moreover, entity 716 can be acorporation or a group of devices, which may include multiple DMFs andPCs. In one embodiment, DMF 701 is capable of accessing to any devicethat is connected to the network.

DMF server 720 is a network server that provides DMF network service forDMF devices connected to the network. In one embodiment, DMF serverincludes a system 722 and a user profile database 724. DMF networkservice provides user and data services, which can be used to configureDMF. In one embodiment, the DMF network service supplies a DMF web page,which allows users to configure or receive the DMF network services. Inthis embodiment, the DMF web page lists multiple categories of imagesthe user can subscribe to. Alternatively, the DMF web page may listmultiple commercially available web sites and a user can select listedweb sites to view his or her DMF. Commercially available web sites mayinclude, but are not limited to, stock market news, sports, and weatherchannels. After the user selected the listed categories or web sties,the DMF network service creates a user profile and stores the selectedcategories or web sites in the user profile. The user profile can laterbe used as a default configuration for the corresponding DMF.

The DMF network service, in one embodiment, is responsible to maintainthe user profile database 724. In this embodiment, the user profiledatabase 724 is resided on DMF server 720. It should be noted that theuser profile database 724 could be located on any other network serveras long as the DMF network service can access the network serve throughthe network. The user profile database 724 can be modified either usingDMF 710, PC 712, or other devices, which can directly access the DMFserver web site. A user can also call a DMF network service provider toverbally convey to a DMF network service representative a new user DMFconfiguration. More detailed description about accessing the DMF networkservice will be described later.

Other methods of configuring DMF are possible. For example, DMF 701could be configured by PC 708 or PC 712. Also, DMF 701 may containconfiguration software, which allows DMF 701 to configure itself. Itshould be noted that other methods for configuring DMF 701 are possible,but they are not necessary to understanding the invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a DMF architecture 800. DMF 802includes an information mode 804 and a picture mode 850. Informationmode 804 displays informational data, such as stock trading news.Picture mode 850 displays a sequence of pictorial images that arepreviously received and stored in the memory.

Information mode 804 further contains a graphical representation portion806 and a textural representation portion 808. Graphical representationportion 806 displays pictorial images while textual representationportion 808 displays text or letters. Graphical representation portion806 can be further split into photos portion 810 and video portion 812.The photo portion 810 includes still pictorial images and video portion812 contains motion images. Photo portion 810 can be further dividedinto private block 814 and public block 816. Private block 814 refers toindividual photos, for example, an individual creates a photograph forprivate use.

Video block 812 can be also divided into a news portion 818 and anadvertisement portion 820. News portion 818 refers to a motion picture,such as, a section of videotape from a news reporter. Advertisementportion 820 refers to marketing, which may be an interactive commercialadvertisement.

Textural representation portion 808 contains an advertisement portion822 and an information portion 830. While advertisement portion 822refers to commercial marketing, information portion 830 denotes usefulinformation, such as weather and stock trading news. Advertisementportion 822 is further divided into a standard section 824 and aninteractive section 826. Standard section 824 refers to commercialmessages using words and text. Interactive section 826 refers tocommercial messages using text interactively, such as an on-linegambling.

Information portion 830 further contains a stock section 832, a newssection 834, and a shopping section 836. In one embodiment, stocksection 832 refers to stock trading news using text and shopping section836 refers to on-line shopping using textural representations. Newssection 834 can be further split into weather channel 838 and newssummary channel or headline news 840. Weather channel 838 refers toweather report using text while news summary channel 840 summarizesnews. It should be appreciated that any portion of information frame 804and picture frame 850 can be overlaid to produce a frame that appears asa combination of information and pictures. It should be noted that othercategories or portions are possible, but they are not necessary tounderstanding the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart 900 illustrating an embodiment of multiple modesfor displaying images. Block 902 shows a step of setting the displaysequence to data mode. At block 904, the process determines whether thepicture signal is active. If the picture signal is active, whichindicates that the picture mode should be set, the picture mode is setat block 906. At block 908, the process displays images according to thedisplay modes. After block 908, the process ends.

FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of a mechanism 1000 showing multipleschemes to access the DMF network service. Mechanism 1000 includes a PC1050, a DMF 1052, a telephone 1054, a server 1062, and a DMF networkserver (“DNS”) 1059 and all devices are interconnected via the Internet1056. DNS 1059 supports DMF network service 1058, which provides dataimplementation. In one embodiment, DMF network service 1058 contains auser profile database, which may be physically located at DNS 1059,server 1050, or server 1062. To access user profiles, a user may use aPC, 1050, a DMF 1052 or a telephone 1054 to access the user profilethrough DMF network service 1058.

In one embodiment, a user may use the telephone 1054 to initiate DMFnetwork service 1058. Once DMF network service 1058 is initiated, itallows the user to use the services, such as reconfiguration of DMF. Forexample, when DMF 1052 needs to be reconfigured, DMF network services1058 supplies a DMF web page and allows a user to select options fromthe DMF web page to configure DMF 1052. It should be noted thatcommunication between DMF 1052 and DMF network service 1058 is carriedout through the Internet 1056.

In another embodiment, a request for DMF network service 1058 from DMF1052 can be initiated via a direct connection. A direct connection is acable or a modem that is directly connected between DNS 1059 and DMF1052. The Internet 1056 can be an alternative connection between DNS1059 and DMF 1052.

PC 1050 can also be used to request DMF network service 1058 for DMF1052. In one embodiment, DMF network service 1058 provides servicesdirectly to DMF 1052 after it receives the request. In anotherembodiment, DMF network service 1058 provides services to DMF 1052through PC 1050. It should be noted that other methods of requesting DMFnetwork service 1058 are possible, but they are not necessary tounderstanding the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart 1100 illustrating an embodiment of receiving datafrom various devices. The process begins at the start block and proceedsto block 1002 where the process receives data. At block 1004, theprocess examines whether the data comes from a camera. If block 1004 isfalse, the process proceeds to block 1008. However, if the block 1004 istrue, which indicates that the data comes from the camera, the processreceives the data using camera interface program at block 1006. Camerainterface program includes, but not limited to, identifying types ofprotocol used to transmit the code from the camera and translating thecode to native language if it is needed.

At block 1008, the process examines whether the data comes from a PC. Ifblock 1008 is false, the process moves to the block 1002. On the otherhand, if block 1008 is true, which indicates that the data comes fromthe PC, the process moves from block 1008 to block 1010 where the datais received. At block 1012, the process examines whether the data comesfrom Internet connector. If block 1012 is false, the process loops tothe end block where the process ends.

However, if block 1012 is true, which indicates that the data comes fromInternet connector, the process proceeds to block 1014 where the processexamines whether the communication is a two-way communication. If it isa two-way communication, an interactive communication is possible. Ifblock 1014 is false, which indicates that the communication is aone-way, the process moves to block 1018 where the DMF one-way procedureis invoked to receive the data. For example, a pager type ofcommunication scheme is a typically type of one-way communication deviceand interactive communication is not permitted. After block 1018, theprocess moves to the end block where the process ends.

On the other hand, if block 1014 is true, which indicates that thecommunication is a two-way or more than one-way communication, theprocess moves to block 1016 where the process invokes the DMF two-wayinteractive program to handle the data. After block 1016, the processmoves to the end block where the process ends.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart 1200 illustrating an embodiment of differentmodes for a DMF. Flowchart 1200 illustrates a registration mode, changemenu mode, and running mode. The process begins at the start block andproceeds to block 1212 to examine whether it is a registration mode. Ifblock 1212 is true, which indicates that it is a registration mode, theprocess proceeds from block 1212 to block 1214 where the process createsa user profile. After block 1204, the process moves to block 1206 wherethe process sets up the menu and stores the menu to the correspondinguser profile. After block 1206, the process ends.

If block 1202 is false, which indicates that it is not a registrationmode, the process moves from block 1202 to block 1208. At block 1208,the process examines whether it is a change menu mode. DMF contains amenu, which is used to configure DMF when DMF is used to displayinformation under the information mode. If block 1208 is true, whichindicates that it is a change menu mode, the process proceeds to block1210 where the menu is updated.

If block 1208 is false, the process proceeds to block 1212 and examineswhether it is a running mode. During the running mode, DMF fetches themenu from a corresponding user profile and configures the display screenaccording to the menu. If block 1212 is true, it indicates that it is arunning mode, the process proceeds to block 1214. At block 1214, theprocess retrieves the menu from a corresponding user profile. At block1216, the information mode of DMF is set up according to the menu. Afterblock 1216, the process ends. If block 1212 is false, the process movesto the end block where the process ends. It should be noted that theflowchart 1200 may contain more than three modes.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart 1300 illustrating an embodiment of DMF window fordata implementation. In one embodiment, DMF network service 1058 employsDMF Window to manage the user profile database. The process starts atthe start block and proceeds to block 1302. At block 1302, the processbegins DMF window. At block 1304, DMF window allocates a portion ofscreen identified as DMF storage and uses icons or thumbnails to listimage files stored in DMF under the DMF storage. Thumbnail is aminiaturized picture that represents the image. At block 1306, DMFwindow further allocates a second portion of screen identified as globalstorage where various image files are listed using icons or thumbnails.In one embodiment, image files listed under the global storage areavailable to DMF.

At block 1308, DMF window allows a user to add an image to DMF by movingthe corresponding icon or thumbnail from the global storage (one portionof screen) to the DMF storage (another portion of screen). For example,a user can click an icon and drag the icon from the portion of screenidentified as the global storage to the portion of screen identified asthe DMF storage. At block 1310, DMF window allows a user to delete animage from DMF by removing the corresponding icon or thumbnail from theDMF storage. For example, a user can click a thumbnail that representsthe image to be deleted and drag the thumbnail to the trashcan.

In the foregoing detailed description, the method and apparatus of thepresent invention have been described with reference to specificexemplary embodiments thereof. It will, however, be evident that variousmodifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from thebroader spirit and scope of the present invention. The presentspecification and figures are accordingly to be regarded as illustrativerather than restrictive.

1. A method for providing digital images and/or information over acommunication network to a digital media frame, comprising the steps of:(a) providing a network service over said communication network; (b)permitting a digital media frame to access a communication network, saiddigital media frame having two or more display portions for displayingindependent text and/or graphics; (c) allowing a user of said digitalmedia frame to select the receiving of customized informationtransmitted over said communication network with respect to at least oneof said display portions; (d) transmitting the customized informationfrom the network service to the digital media frame; and (e)automatically displaying the customized information on the digital mediaframe when the digital media frame is in the operating state.
 2. Themethod according to claim 1 wherein said information comprises graphicaland/or textual representations.
 3. The method according to claim 2wherein said graphical representations comprises one or more of thefollowing: photo, video, advertisements.
 4. The method according toclaim 2 wherein said textual representations comprises information withrespect to one or more of the following: financial, news, shopping,weather, headline news.
 5. A digital media frame for displaying digitalimages and/or information received over a communication network,comprising: (a) a communication module for providing communicationconnection over a communication network; (b) a display having two ormore display portions for displaying independent text and/or graphics;(c) an input for allowing a user to select the receiving of customizedinformation transmitted over said communication network with respect toat least one of said two or more display portions; and (d) automaticallydisplaying the customized information on said at least one of said twoor more display portions when the digital media frame is the operatingstate.
 6. A digital media frame according to claim 5 wherein saiddisplay comprises a cathode ray tube.
 7. A digital media frame accordingto claim 5 wherein said display comprises a LCD.
 8. A digital mediaframe according to claim 5 wherein said display comprises an imageprojector.
 9. A digital media frame according to claim 5 wherein saiddisplay comprises a silicon based display.
 10. A digital media frameaccording to claim 5 wherein said communication network comprises awireless cellular network.
 11. A digital media frame according to claim5 wherein said digital frame includes a cellular modem for providingconnection to said communication network.
 12. A digital media frameaccording to claim 5 wherein said digital frame includes a modem forproviding wireless connection to a device.
 13. A digital media frameaccording to claim 12 wherein said device comprises a digital camera.14. A digital media frame according to claim 12 wherein said input is aremote control input device.
 15. A digital media frame according toclaim 5 wherein images selected by the user is displayed in one of theother of said two or more display portions.
 16. A digital media frameaccording to claim 5 wherein said two or more display portions comprisetwo display portions.
 17. A method for providing digital images over acommunication network comprising the steps of: (a) providing a networkservice over the communication network; (b) permitting a digital mediaframe to access a network server via the communication network service;(c) allowing a user of said digital media frame to select a customizedinformation transmission from the network service; (d) transmitting thecustomized news transmission from the network service to the digitalmedia frame; and (e) automatically displaying the customized newstransmission on the digital media frame when the device is the operatingstate.
 18. A method according to claim 17 wherein said customizedinformation comprises one of the following: news, sports, entertainment,financial, advertisements.
 19. A method according to claim 17 whereinsaid customized information is presented as a video clip.